50 Queens Installation to Highlight “Gender Equality” in Denmark

50 white pedestals participated in the Kongens Nytorv (King's Square) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The installation surrounded a statue of Danish King Christian V and was designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in collaboration with Kunsthal Charlottenborg and the Golden Days Festival. Named 50 Queens, the installation was designed to attract public attention and honor the 50th Jubilee of Queen Margrethe II in the country. The statues are laid out in an interesting pattern of varying heights, giving them a monumental and eye-catching shape.

50 Queens Installation in Denmark, photo by Laurent De Carniere

50 Queens Installation in Denmark, photo by Marcus Mork

Statues are often used in various countries to honor influential figures, not least in Copenhagen, which has mostly statues of more men than women. Therefore, the exhibition of this installation was created to voice gender equality as a major issue in this installation. It consists of 50 block-shaped pedestals, each given a metal plaque with the name of a historical woman, and on each pedestal, there is a QR code that can be scanned to direct to a page with more information about their lives and work.

"Our exhibition helps tell the untold stories of women who have contributed to Danish history but have not been recognized for it. With 50 Queens, I hope we can help raise awareness of diversity in our public spaces so we can help improve a better city today and tomorrow." So said Giulia Frittoli, a partner at BIG.

White Pedestals with Different Heights, photo by Laurent De Carniere

Metal Plaque with the Name of a Female Pioneer, photo by Laurent De Carniere

Among all pedestals, there is one that is deliberately distinguished by being coated with mirror material that can reflect visuals. This became an invitation for visitors to contribute about who else should be honored with a statue. Another message is when a female visitor standing in front of the pedestals looks at herself in the mirror, hinting that she is also a great woman worthy of appreciation.

There is One Pedestal that is Different from the Others, photo by Laurent De Carniere

Pedestal with Mirror Reflecting Sun Light, photo by Laurent De Carniere

The presence of 50 Queens attracts residents to visit. The circular arrangement reminds us of the domino shape but with varying heights that give it a dynamic effect. Around the installation, the public can use many benches for sitting back and relaxing. The best time to take a walk around the park and enjoy the artwork of this installation is in the morning or evening because, at certain hours, the installation will produce a beautiful shadow of the sunlight, creating a different experience for visitors. 

Shadows Cast from the Pedestals, photo by Laurent De Carniere

BIG also teamed up with jewelry company Georg Jensen to create a necklace as a miniature version of the installation, and it was gifted to the Queen. This installation is not just an art exhibition but also raises the issue of gender equality with the theme, "50 Queens, festivals about women, gender and power".